Wanting to have a whiter and brighter smile is a dream of most people! We subject our teeth to a good amount of staining and discoloration by what we eat, what we drink and if we smoke or chew tobacco products. Having your teeth whitened, whether it’s by a home remedy, a teeth whitening strip, toothpaste, or at a cosmetic dentist has its advantages and disadvantages. Here is what you need to know before you start whitening your smile!

Before you begin any teeth whitening, we recommend you talk to your dentist to see if they have any recommendations. At Albion Dental Office, Dr. Trotti is always willing to provide a consultation appointment to discuss any concerns you may have before starting with a tooth whitening program. Patients who suffer from sensitive teeth, have multiple teeth with significant amounts of filling material (either resin or amalgam), or have dental crowns may end up with different results than those who do not have profound levels of dental work already placed in their mouths.

Pro’s and Con’s

1. In-Office Whitening

In-office whitening options are revolved around making an appointment with a cosmetic dentist using a stronger whitening gel and in some cases, the combination of lights, lasers, or heat.

Advantages: Having your teeth whitened at a cosmetic dentist will yield the best results in the quickest amount of time. The whitening solution that is used in a dental office has a higher percentage of peroxide – you’ll get great results in a fraction of the time. This means that it will have stronger results AND will take less time than any home whitening program.

Disadvantages: In-office whitening procedures can result in temporary tooth sensitivity, as the whitening solution used to achieve strong results in a single visit can potentially irritate the teeth of some patients. This sensitivity only lasts for a short time; measures such as using sensitivity-reducing toothpaste for several days ahead of the procedure, or using a pain relief medication such as ibuprofen can greatly reduce any such symptoms, should they occur.

2. At-Home Bleaching Options

At-home options include, but are not limited to, whitening strips, gels, or trays. These options are also available outside of your dentist office and generally do not require a prescription.

Advantages: At-home options such as whitening strips, whitening gels, or whitening rinses are a convenient option. The whitening formula is not as strong as those seen at cosmetic dentists, but with patience, you can achieve some improvement in the level of whitening of your teeth. This route also involves taking less of a financial investment than some other options.

Disadvantages: At-home options will take longer and you’re unlikely to achieve the magnitude of colour change that you would experience with a whitening procedure performed in a dental office. Even with the use of these alternative whitening solution products, it is still quite possible that temporary tooth sensitivity could develop.

Maintaining the colour of your teeth lies in regular brushing and flossing, regular visits to your dentist for hygiene maintenance, a proper diet and avoidance of teeth-staining chemicals that are found in cigarettes, cigars, wine, and beer.

Whitening your teeth is possible – and there are multiple methods with which you can achieve the results you are looking for! Evaluating the amount of time you are prepared to dedicate to this task will determine which route would be best for you. If you have any questions regarding tooth whitening, schedule a consult at Albion Dental Office, and Dr. Trotti will be happy to talk with you regarding any concerns or ideas you would like to discuss.